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Does my teen need drivers ed to get a permit in Colorado?

It depends on your teen's age and the date. From Jan. 1, 2027, ages 15 through 17 must finish a 30-hour course before getting a permit. Until then, ages 15 through 15 and 6 months must take a 30-hour course, ages 15 and 6 months through 16 must take it or a 4-hour driver awareness program, and ages 16 through 17 have no course rule.

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The rule, fact by fact

Who needs it
From Jan. 1, 2027, ages 15 through 17 will need a 30-hour driver education courseYour teen will need it before getting an instruction permit.
Verified. Colorado Division of Motor Vehicles · Minor driver education (HB24-1021) (opens state website) · checked Nov 13, 2026
Course choice for now
Ages 15 and 6 months through 16: a 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver awareness programUntil January 1, 2027, ages 15 and 6 months through 16 must complete a 30-hour course or a 4-hour driver awareness program.
Same source and date as above
Valid for
Courses are valid for 6 months from the date of completionA finished course counts for 6 months from the day you finish, so time it close to the permit appointment.
Same source and date as above
Permit hold time
Under 18, the learner's permit must be held at least 12 monthsThat is the shortest hold time Colorado allows for a permit holder under 18.
Same source and date as above

How to get it done

  1. Step 1. Check your teen's age and the date. From Jan. 1, 2027, ages 15 through 17 must take a 30-hour course before a permit. The change applies to minors who get their permit after January 1, 2027. A teen who already has a permit isn't covered.

  2. Step 2. Pick the course for your teen's age. Until January 1, 2027, ages 15 through 15 and 6 months need the 30-hour course, ages 15 and 6 months through 16 must take it or a 4-hour driver awareness program, and ages 16 through 17 have no course rule.

  3. Step 3. Finish the course close to your permit appointment, because a course is valid for 6 months from the day you finish. Then pre-register online before your appointment, unless your teen has had an ID, permit or license.

  4. Step 4. Plan the hold time. Under 18, the permit must be held at least 12 months.

Before you pay

Ask the school whether its course counts as the 30-hour course.

Ask what the price covers, including any form fee. We haven't confirmed a Colorado price from a source.

Check the date: a course is valid for 6 months, so don't finish too early.

Count the date of the permit appointment, not the course: from Jan. 1, 2027, ages 15 through 17 need the 30-hour course.

Questions

My teen's permit was cancelled. Does my teen need the course again?

It can mean taking a course again. If your teen applies for a new permit on or after January 1, 2027, after a previous permit or license was surrendered, cancelled, suspended or revoked, the course rule for your teen's age group applies.

What changes on January 1, 2027?

From January 1, 2027: ages 15 through 17 must take a 30-hour drivers ed course before getting a permit, and ages 18 through 20 can choose a 30-hour course or an in-person 4-hour driver awareness program.

My teen has a permit from another state. What applies in Colorado?

If your teen applies for a Colorado permit on or after Jan. 1, 2027, the new Colorado requirements apply. From that date, at ages 15 to 17, your teen must complete a 30-hour driver education course before the Colorado permit.

Is there a minimum hold time for a permit at 18 or older?

No. At 18 or older, there is no minimum hold time for a learner's permit.

What to do next

Start with Colorado's page on the new rules, then pick the course for your teen's age.

dmv.colorado.gov

Sources we read